To The Point

IRS Targeting, AP Dragnet: Obama and the Shadow of...

Washington's focused this week on potential scandals involving the FBI's investigation of the AP and the IRS targeting of conservative groups applying for tax exemptions.

Is the Pentagon Losing the War against Sex Crimes?

Overturned sexual assault convictions and the head of Sexual Prevention for the Air Force?s groping a woman. Is it time for change in the Uniform Code of Military Justice?

Boston Marathon Bombings and Muslim Americans

The Boston Marathon bombings have renewed calls for Muslim Americans to be on the alert for potential extremists, as well as warnings against religious discrimination. We hear from Muslims on both sides of the issue. Also, the Senate begins consideration of over 300 amendments to immigration bill, and as Pakistanis prepare to go to the polls on Saturday, campaigning has been disrupted by violence, a kidnapping and an accidental fall by a major candidate.

Is the Syrian Conflict Entering a New Phase?

The White House is holding the line on Syria, despite Israel's military strikes and lingering questions about Syria's use of chemical weapons against citizens.

Global Warming in a World of Endless Oil, Gas and Coal

What would ?energy independence and never running out of fossil fuel mean for the global economy and the will to slow climate change by developing alternative energy?

What's Behind the Austerity Backlash?

Unemployment and slow growth in Europe are bringing an end to the "austerity" era of spending cuts and increased taxes. Was austerity a dangerous idea in the first place?

News Media Hacking and the Case for Cybersecurity

Hackers have broken into major media. Last week's false message on the AP Twitter account roiled financial markets. In Washington, the heat is on for new cybersecurity laws.

Do We Need Guantanamo Bay Prison?

President Obama promised to shut down Guantanamo Bay, but 166 prisoners are still there. Is Guantanamo a relic of what used to be called "the war on terror?"

Boston and the Modern Manhunt

Did social media help law enforcement identify and track down suspects in last week's deadly attack in Boston? Did news organizations? mistakes create needless confusion?

Manhunt in Boston

In less than 12 hours the FBI's two suspects were identified as brothers in Boston. We look at what's known about them and possible connections to their Chechen roots.

Bipartisan Senate Group to Unveil Immigration Bill

Despite gridlock on so many other issues, Republicans and Democrats could make political history on immigration reform. We hear the details and continued controversy.

Genetic Breakthroughs: Patents and Profits

Cases being arguing today before the US Supreme Court involving the patenting of human genes could determine the future of "personalized medicine."

Egypt in Turmoil

The failures of Egypt's newly elected leader are creating economic and political chaos. What?s at stake for the Mideast? The US? Also, gun control and immigration reform.

Obama's Budget: Social Security, Chained CPI and Taxes

President Obama will propose a "conciliatory" budget tomorrow with proposed cuts in Medicare and Social Security and an increase in taxes. Is there any chance of consensus?

Are High-Stakes Tests Corrupting Public Education?

After charges of systematic cheating on standardized testing by administrators and teachers a backlash is growing against standardized testing.

A Dramatic Rise in ADHD Diagnosis

There's been a huge leap in the diagnosis of ADHD in American children. Doctors are prescribing Ritalin and Adderall to treat it. What is it? Are drugs the right answer?

Deal Pending on Immigration Reform

Will a guest-worker program for unskilled laborers kill a Senate deal on immigration reform or will it be border security, a "path to citizenship" or some other obstacle?

Syria on the Sunni-Shia Fault Line

The rebellion against Syria's al-Assad regime have aroused hostilities between Sunni and Shiite Muslims. What are the consequences for the US and the rest of the Mideast.

Same-Sex Marriage at the Supreme Court

The US Supreme Court hear arguments today on same-sex marriage. Gay marriage advocates have targeted California's Proposition 8, which banned such unions 5 years ago.

Bradley Manning, Whistle-blower or Traitor?

Army private Bradley Manning is facing court-martial for revealing the Wikileaks documents. In pre-trial hearings almost no one was watching.

Cyprus and the Euro Crisis

Financial trouble in tiny Cyprus is the latest threat to the entire Eurozone. With their banks in danger, should ordinary Cypriots be taxed to protect wealthy Russians?

Tenth Anniversary of the Iraq War: The Personal Impact

Ten years ago, the US invaded Iraq. Today, in the first of our 2-part series, we look at the human cost to US veterans and their families, and Iraqis in a ruined country.

Pope Francis' First Day on the Job

The Church of Rome looked to the New World to find Pope Francis, former Archbishop of Buenos Aires. We hear about his theological leanings and the challenges he faces.

Why Do So Many College Students Fail to Graduate?

A new report says basing financial aid on college enrollment is not enough. Should it be keyed to graduation? Can it be adjusted without hurting those it's designed to help?

'House of Cards' and the Future World of Big Data

By analyzing information collected online, Netflix, Amazon, Google and others can assess what you want. But "Big Data" has many other uses as well and there are risks...

Venezuela without Hugo Chavez

Venezuela is in mourning for President Hugo Chavez, who died yesterday in Caracas. As Latin American leaders arrive to pay their respects, we look at his life and legacy.

Catholic Church at a Crossroads

Even before they start selecting the next Pope, the College of Cardinals has plenty to talk about -- sex abuse, financial scandal and the role of women.

The 401(k) and America's Retirement Future

America's population is aging, but retirement won't be what it used to. More than half the current work force won't be prepared. Are workers themselves to blame?

Should the US Arm Syrian Rebels?

America's new Secretary of State is taking another shot at diplomacy. But with Assad getting help from US rivals, how much longer can we refuse to arm Syrian opposition?

Has the Movement for Women's Equality Hit a Wall?

Polls show more than three-fourths of Americans think the best marriage allows mothers and fathers equal time to work and take care of family, but that's increasingly hard.

Has the South Outgrown the Voting Rights Act?

The Voting Rights Act of 1965 helped other minorities get the right to vote in states of the former Confederacy. But Alabama and other states insist that times have changed.

Can Science and Medicine Help Prevent Violent Crime?

The latest mass killing has renewed multiple controversies about mobilizing science and medicine to prevent violent crime. What are the legal and ethical issues?

Should We Cease to Build in Harm's Way

New York's Governor Cuomo says the lesson of Superstorm Sandy is the vulnerability of coastal development to climate change. Instead of rebuilding damaged properties...

The State of the Union Speech: The Rhetoric and the...

Many of the themes in President Obama's first SOTU since his re-election were familiar from last year's campaign, as was the GOP reaction.

Pope Benedict XVI Makes History by Stepping Aside

For the first time since 1415, a Roman Catholic Pope is resigning. We hear about the reign of Benedict XVI and the prospects for his successor.

US Unease over Legal Basis for Drone Strikes

The Obama Administration says "an informed, high-level official" can ignore due process rights and kill American citizens if they constitute an "imminent threat" to the US.

Contraceptives, Obamacare and Religious Freedom

Some religious nonprofits and private employers say Obamacare violates the rights to religious freedom. We hear about new exemptions to overcome constitutional objections.

Are the Gun Battle Lines Being Redrawn?

Guns have been part of American culture since the beginning, but outrage over the latest atrocity has strengthened the chances for gun control.

Is the Tide Turning on Immigration?

The President and a bipartisan group of Senators may agree on immigration reform, but the road to actual compromise could be stormy, and Congress has yet to be heard from.

The GOP Tries to Rebuild Itself

Barack Obama's re-election has led the GOP to an agonizing reappraisal. Agreed on the need to reach out to new demographics, they are divided on how that should be done.

Pentagon Lifting Ban on Women in Combat

Defense Secretary Leon Panetta has lifted the ban on women in combat. We look at the pros and cons for the military, in Constitutional law and American culture.

Roe v. Wade, at Forty

It's 40 years to the day since the US Supreme Court ruled that a woman has a constitutional right to abortion. We update America's most bitter cultural controversy.

Can Science and Medicine Help Prevent Violent Crime?

President Obama and Congress are looking for ways that mental health agencies to share information so law enforcement can take action. Is the next step preventive detention for people who?ve never committed crimes? Is prediction possible?or is there no choice but to wait for violence to happen?

Obama Takes Executive Action on Gun Control

The President today signed 23 executive orders and asked Congress for additional gun control measures?with an appeal to the public?

The President, Republicans and the Debt Ceiling

At a surprise news conference this morning, President Obama said the latest dispute over the debt ceiling is already damaging the economy.

John Brennan, the CIA and National Security

Who is Chuck Hagel and Why Are Republicans so Angry?

India Confronts the Problem of Violence against Women

The trial of five men charged with the rape and murder of a young woman is set to start in India. What forces shape attitudes toward women in India? What needs to change?

Fiscal Cliff Averted

Congress may have averted the fiscal cliff, but the deal didn't solve the nation's long-term fiscal problems. What did yesterday's deal accomplish? What's still ahead?

Do Newspapers Have a Future after All?

The death of newspapers at the hands of the Internet has been predicted, but circulation?s rising and investors are taking an interest again. Will digital news be different?

A Look Back at 2012 and Community-Building in America

The headlines of 2012 tell of divisiveness and anger, but there are other stories to tell. Americans found new ways to embrace community and draw wider circles of inclusion.

Is America More Religious than Ever?

The US is one of the world?s most religious countries, but American religion is changing. Does it unify or divide? Will atheists be more accepted or more ostracized?

Is a Culture Captivated by Guns Ready for Change

The National Rifle Association today broke the silence it's maintained since last week's massacre in Connecticut. Is a culture captivated by guns ready for change?

Guns and Beefing Up School Security

Even before last week's Newtown massacre, Michigan legislators voted for concealed weapons on school campuses. We look at increased efforts to make sure children are safe.

Will the Newtown Massacre Be a Game Changer?

The latest of this year's multiple shootings killed 6 adults and 20 first-graders on Friday. Some call this the time for action. Others warn about unintended consequences.

Michigan's Right-to-Work Laws and the American Middle...

This week Michigan passed Right to Work bills that affect both public and private sector employees. Sara Terry explores the politics and economics of the movement.

Will the Tea Party Find a Second Act?

Guest host Judy Muller looks at whether the Tea Party can survive as a potent force in American politics.

Egypt: a New Democracy or Another Dictatorship?

After the worst street violence in 60 years, Egypt?s newly elected President is surrounded by tanks, troops and barbed wire.

The CIA, the Pentagon and Obama?s Drone War

Unmanned drones are re-shaping both the gathering of intelligence and the conduct of warfare by the Obama Administration.

The US Supreme Court, Politics and Same Sex Marriage

Once again today, America?s highest court failed to announce any plan to take up one or more cases involving the legalization of same-sex marriage. Now it?s expected to do so on Friday. Will the justices be paying attention to last month?s elections in 4 states? We?ll look at the high court?s options?and at the political ramifications, especially for the Republican Party. On Reporters Notebook later on, could deadly violence result from brain damage in professional football? Also in the...

The Fiscal Cliff, Susan Rice and Political Gamesmanship

With the deadline for avoiding the "fiscal cliff" just a month away, there are new doubts about whether it's going to be met. We hear about political lines in the sand..

Negotiations and the 'Fiscal Cliff'

Three weeks after the election, there's been only one high-level meeting about the "fiscal cliff," despite warnings about a recession. What are the prospects of reaching a deal? Would it be so bad if they didn't?

The Dark Side of 'The Cloud'

Internet technology uses more electrical power than any other US industry except for manufacturing. How much energy is wasted to keep your information available full time?

Is American Air Travel on the Descent?

On the busiest week of the traveling season, we hear how the flying experience has changed as an industry with narrow profit margins struggles to meet public demand.

Israel's Gaza Offensive

Rockets fired from the Gaza Strip continue to fall in Israel, as Israel?s retaliatory airstrikes kill more civilians in Gaza. We update the resumption of violence, the Arab spring and Israeli politics.

Oil and Gas Boom Reshapes US Energy Landscape

America's boom in oil and natural gas may create jobs, but it's already bad news for the environment and could drastically set back efforts to cope with global warming.

The FBI, the CIA and Now, the Pentagon

The FBI investigation of "inappropriate emails" has spread from the CIA to the Pentagon. Is the US at risk? Is it about the hubris of powerful men and designing women?

Women's Issues across Party Lines

With women now the majority of American voters, and record numbers of newly elected women headed for the Senate and Congress, is this "the Year of the Woman?"

Election 2012: Obama and the Future of the GOP

With the election over, it's time for Washington to focus on how to govern the nation. Have lessons been learned from yesterday's voting? Will politics stay the same?

One Day before the Election, Who Has the Advantage?

Despite spending $6 billion, only the candidates are predicting an end to political gridlock. We look at this historic election and some crucial ground games.

Do We Need to Prepare for More and Stronger Storms?

One lesson from Superstorm Sandy: low-lying urban centers are vulnerable to the consequences of climate change. What will it take to prepare for the next one?

Superstorm Sandy, Voting Machines and Stealing the...

It's been only a day since Superstorm Sandy made landfall. We look at the damage and what the future might bring. Also, challenges to the integrity of electronic voting.

'Waitress Moms,' 'Walmart Moms' and Undecided Voters

With the campaign down to a few precious days, the few undecided voters are said to be women. Who are they? Where do they live? Whatever happened to "soccer moms?"

Drones, the CIA and the 'Disposition Matrix'

With almost no public discussion, President Obama has expanded the use of targeted killings. How has the policy developed? How could it change the role of the CIA?

US Foreign Policy Seen from Foreign Shores

Presidential elections are not won on foreign policy issues, but they are the focus of tonight's debate. Do people overseas see real differences between Obama and Romney?

The Pentagon, 'Sequester' and National Security

How much defense the US needs and what it can afford are issues raised by "sequester." Will it happen or will the White House and Congress kick the can down the road again?

Is Small Business a Job Generator?

"Small business" may be crucial to small-town, independent entrepreneurship, but is it really the engine of job growth claimed by President Obama and Mitt Romney?

Joe Biden v. Paul Ryan in the Vice Presidential Debate

Last night's vice-presidential debate might be old news by the Obama-Romney "town hall" on Tuesday, but Biden and Ryan still had an impact on the national campaign story.

Can Affirmative Action Move Beyond Race?

Today, the US Supreme Court took up affirmative action and the effort to equalize educational opportunity in a diverse society with a history of racial discrimination.

Which of the Two Candidates Really Wants to Be President?

How does President Obama feel about coping with a hostile Congress? What about former Governor Mitt Romney's record with Democrats in Massachusetts?

Taking Stock of the First Debate

The early consensus is that an aggressive Mitt Romney won last night's debate against President Obama, who was defensive and lacking in energy. We hear early reaction.

Veterans and the VA Backlog

The Veterans Administration is far behind in processing claims. We hear why so many vets are so frustrated, despite bipartisan promises they'll get what they deserve.

The Dark Side of 'The Cloud'

Internet technology uses more electrical power than any other US industry except for manufacturing. How much energy is wasted to keep your information available full time?

UN Diplomacy and the Middle East

Yesterday, President Obama surprised 120 fellow world leaders with a tough defense of free speech and a challenge to Egypt?s new President Mohammed Morsi. We?ll hear how the world body is coping?and not coping?with various crises around the globe. California gets ready for driverless cars. And protests in Athens may shake a fragile coalition.

Global Warming Reveals Oil, Gas and Rare Metals in the...

Rapidly melting Arctic ice has triggered political and economic competition among the world's powers. Can a remote, massive part of the world be preserved and developed?

Can a US President Say Boo to China?

When it comes to trade with China, talking tough is the easy part. Winning cases at the WTO has proved harder. We look at US-China trade -- beyond the rhetoric.

Campaign Strategy and Science

"A letter in a plain white envelope could swing the presidential election..." We talk about the overlooked wizards of winning elections.

Anti-American Protests; The 'End of Men'

"Men's work" is on the decline, while industries dominated by women are on the rise. Also, American embassies becomes the targets of Muslim mobs.

US Ambassador Killed in Libya; Chicago Teachers' Strike

Ambassador Chris Stevens was considered a hero who helped liberate Libya from Moammar Gadhafi, but he died last night in an armed attack over an anti-Muslim film. Also, the Chicago teachers' strike.

The Mythology of the Middle Class

Both Democrats and Republicans are campaigning with traditional appeals to "the Middle Class." Do party platforms offer credible promises to achieve "the American Dream?"

Clinton Fires Up Democrats, Lays Out the Case for Obama

President Obama has a new and different challenge tonight: matching last night's nominating speech by former President Bill Clinton...

Now It's the Democrats' Turn

The DNC opens today in Charlotte, North Carolina. With so many people still hurting, what can the President do to bring disappointed voters back to the fold?

Romney, Ryan and Tampa Give Way to Obama, Biden and...

In his speech accepting the GOP nomination, Mitt Romney tried to present his "human" side, rally the base and reach out to swing voters. Did he pull it off?

Ann Romney and Chris Christie Address the Convention

Hurricane Isaac cancelled Monday's session, but last night the GOP made prime time. We hear reaction to speeches by Ann Romney and New Jersey Governor Chris Christie.

Will GOP Factions Unify under One Big Tent?

Tropical Storm Isaac may not be headed for Tampa, but it has disrupted the Republican National Convention.